Hymnus

Hymnus was commissioned by the Wilhelmina Easterein Fanfare Orchestra in the Autumn of 1999 for their performance at the World Music Contest, Kerkrade.

The commission was the result of a collaboration between the composerand the then musical director, Marten van der Wal.

The exact meaning of the word Hymnus is not known but it is taken in this presentation to mean hymn or hymn-like.
The melodic material is organic and grows froman initial unison tone. This interval is gradually expanded to form the cell F E C F, a semitone, third, fifth. The only other melodic motif is the ascending three-note pattern spanning a major third. This is the second of hiscompositions to use this ascending motif, the other being 'Fanfare for a Bright New Age' for Brass Band and Organ, also of 2000. These characteristic intervals appear in many contrasting moods and guises throughout the piece.

The opening unison notes are intended to convey as sense of power and magnificence, like the first sounds at the dawning of the universe.
After the immense power, a period of stunned silence and reverence. The evolutionof the hymn melody incorporates a variety of moods and atmospheres, sometimes expressing much joy and celebration whilst also suggesting periods of intense savagery or prayerful contemplation.
The 'hymn' builds as the pieceprogresses and is finally stated in its' complete form at letter W.

The official world premiere of the work was given by Wilhelmina Easterein at the World Music Contest 2001. Whilst the composer was unable to attendin person, he was able to enjoy the premier simultaneously transmitted via a mobile phone from the audience!

Conductor's Note
The tempo indications are to be viewed as a guide rather than a literal instruction. Within